Intel unveils 8-core Haswell-E processor for desktop with X99 chipset

Intel has finally taken a step to provide octa-core processing in desktops with unveiling its first eight-core Core i7-5960X Extreme Edition (Haswell-E) processor at Penny Arcade Expo (PAX) in Seattle. The chip maker has also announced its Intel X99 chipset which is especially designed for the new processor and supports DDR4 memory.

The newly unveiled Haswell-E lineup actually comprises three 22nm process-based chips – Intel Core i7-5960X, Core i7-5930K and Core i7-5820K. Among all the three processors, the Core i7-5960X is the flagship chip to give high-performance processing across desktops using eight cores.

Intel Core i7-5960X Extreme Edition die

The Core-i7-5960X Extreme Edition comes with HyperThreading technology with using 16 threads and provides minimum 3.0 GHz clock-speed. Moreover, the new chip has 20MB cache, 40 PCIe 3.0 lans and a TDP limit of 140 Watt.

Alongside the Haswell-E, Intel also showcased its X99 chipset at the PAX. The new chipset supports DDR4 memory and comes with 10 SATA 6GB ports and 40 PCI Express lanes. As the motherboard is especially designed for the new eight-core processor, there is LGA2011-3 socket.

Intel claims that its eight-core processing platform will give up to 79 percent of more multi-thread performance over four-core platform and has quad-channel memory to enable easy content creation and fast multi-tasking.

“We’re thrilled to unveil the next phase in our ‘reinvention of the desktop’ we outlined earlier this year. This product family is aimed squarely at those enthusiasts who push their systems further than anyone, and we’re offering the speed, cores, overclocking and platform capabilities they have asked us for.”

Intel Hasell-E processor lineup will be available for sale starting next week with a price range between $389 and $999.